Today is the first Sunday of Advent, when we light the Hope candle. Our worship series for this Advent season is "Christmas Through the Lens of Hollywood". We'll reflect on how the traditional themes of Advent (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love) are viewed through the lens of some of Hollywood's favorite Christmas movies. The story of George Bailey as told in the Frank Capra classic "It's a Wonderful Life" emphasizes Hope over despair and sadness.
Today in the last of our series on "Half Truths," we'll reflect on the saying "Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin".
Today in our series on "Half Truths," we'll reflect on the saying "God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It".
Today in our series on "Half Truths," we'll reflect on the saying "God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle."
Today is All Saints Sunday in the United Methodist Church - the first Sunday in November. We pause to reflect on our history, remember the people who have influenced our faith and consider how we might strive to become a saint ourselves.
Today in our series on "Half Truths," we'll reflect on the saying "God Helps Those Who Help Themselves."
Today in our series on "Half Truths," we'll reflect on the saying "Everything Happens for a Reason."
In a new series on "Half Truths" based on Rev. Adam Hamilton's book "Half-Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn't Say," we'll reflect on the nature of Scripture and then consider some of the "myths" that people attribute to the Bible.
We often think of Paul alone, but he worked in concert with many others. While each of us can do good on our own, when we come together, God multiplies what we give. Together, we can do more good than we ever could alone. And God has not left us on our own, struggling to find Him without direction. Rather, He has come among us and, sends us forth to do His work in the world.
Jeremiah and the prophets show that, in the naming of our struggles, we are able to move forward toward change. One word for this is "lament." And God, our strength and hope, has not left us on our own, struggling without direction. Rather, He has come among us and, in the Scriptures of the synagogue and the church, has us the reliable record of His presence.